Solutions in Focus

7 MarineConservation Entrepreneurship– fromtrash to trade SOLUTION

Solution provider:

Julie Church, Ocean Sole Foundation

Summary:

Ocean Sole is amarine conservation entrepreneurshipmodel, which upcycles discarded flip-flops into products for sale, thus creating an economically viable enterprise, employing the skills of local artisans. Through this process (and associated programmes), Ocean Sole supports sustainable livelihood alternatives, skills improvements, waste collection and uses this to improve the establishment, management and expansion of local marine protected areas.

Location:

Kenya

Impacts Each Ocean Sole currently demonstrates:

• More than 50,000 kgs of discarded plastic and marine debris is collected each year from the coastlines and waterways of Kenya and turned into works of art and generating global sales of above $ 400,000 per year. • Provides skill development training, livelihood opportunities and an increased income for more than 1,000 local people. • Raised awareness and understanding for more than 10,000 school children, students, local community members and international audiences about marine debris pollution and conservation per annum. Ocean Sole replicating initiatives would be given similar or higher targets.

24